Motsepe Foundation Championship newcomers Hope FC have appointed Clayton Daniels as the club’s new head coach following the departure of Dylan Deane in June 2026.
This comes after the Cape club decided to cut ties with coach Deane, citing a desire to move in a different direction ahead of their debut season in the professional ranks.
Hope FC enjoyed a remarkable rise after acquiring the ABC Motsepe League status of Oriented Birds FC prior to the start of the 2025/26 SAFA Western Cape ABC Motsepe League campaign.
It proved to be a fairy-tale season for the side, as they were crowned Western Cape champions. That provincial triumph earned them a spot in the SAFA ABC Motsepe League National Playoffs, where they went all the way to clinch the title and secure automatic promotion to South Africa’s second tier.
Deane left the club on a high note, having successfully guided them to PSL promotion in their very first season in the provincial structure.
Daniels steps into the coaching hot seat after previously serving in a dual role as both assistant coach and player under Deane.
HOPE FC STATEMENT ON CLAYTON DANIELS’ APPOINTMENT
“We are proud to welcome Clayton Daniels as the new head coach of Hope FC,” read the club’s statement released on Saturday morning.
“As a club, we believe in giving young South African coaches the opportunity to lead, grow, and make their mark. We believe Coach Daniels has the qualities, experience, and ability to steer the ship as we begin this next chapter.
“We wish him nothing but success on this journey. The entire club is behind him and ready to support him every step of the way. One of our own, Coach Daniels.”
Meanwhile, the club has been active in the transfer market to bolster their squad, bringing in high-profile signings including Miguel Timm, Lyle Lakay, Siyabonga Nhlapo, Brandon Theron, Samkelo Zwane, Bontle Molefe, Xhosa Manyana, Tauric Gamildien, Selwyn Stevens, Tyler Cicero, Thamsanqa Magwaza, Marc Jonas, Clyde Combi, and Nande Wetbooi.
Hope FC kick off their inaugural Motsepe Foundation Championship campaign against University of Pretoria [AmaTuks] this afternoon, Saturday, 22 August, at Athlone Stadium. The match will start at 15:00.
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